FRIDAY May 2, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
The Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Friday, May 2, presented One Hundred and Fifty-Five Million Naira (₦155,000,000) to local government areas across the state as a reward for their participation in the 2024 edition of the Christmas Unplugged festival.
The presentation ceremony was held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
The award, which translates to ₦5 million per local government area, was a fulfillment of a commitment by the state government to support and encourage local governments that showcased their cultural and tourism assets during the widely celebrated Christmas unplugged.
Represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, the Governor expressed his administration’s continued commitment to cultural development and grassroots engagements.
“When I was appointed Commissioner, one of the first memos I saw on my desk was the proposal for the payment of ₦155 million to local government councils ₦5 million each as a reward for their participation in the last Christmas Unplugged,” Dr. Udofia stated.
“I approached His Excellency with the memo, and before we proceeded on our retreat, he graciously approved the funds to demonstrate good faith and commitment. Today, we are witnessing the fulfillment of that promise.”
Speaking on behalf of all local government chairmen, the Chairman of ALGON and Uyo LGA, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, lauded Governor Eno’s investments in the state’s tourism potentials.
“This is one of the many laudable investments His Excellency has made in this sector. By encouraging local governments to explore and develop their tourism potential, he is laying the groundwork for a vibrant cultural economy.
“We, as council chairmen, are committed to bringing our collective energy to bear in projecting Akwa Ibom State positively and showcasing our tourism heritage to the world,” Dr. Udo affirmed.
Also present at the event was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Grace Akpan, who expressed appreciation for the Governor’s unwavering support.
“I want to sincerely thank our Governor for his consistent investment in culture and tourism in Akwa Ibom State. His Excellency is deeply passionate about the development of tourism across our communities,” she said.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Lady Ime Udo, local government councillors, supervisors, and other senior government officials.
The Christmas Unplugged festival has grown into one of the most vibrant cultural showcases in the region, attracting thousands of visitors and reinforcing Akwa Ibom’s position as a tourism destination in Nigeria.
With this financial gesture, the state government has once again demonstrated its dedication to inclusive cultural development and the empowerment of local government councils.
